The MNP’s general secretary Nai Layih Tamarh told the Mon News Agency that his party does not recognize the conference because it will lead to disunity rather than unity among the Mon people and bring only disadvantage to the entire Mon people.

“We won’t attend this conference based on the decision of the party’s central committee meeting because the people’s conference concerns with the entire Mon people so everyone should participate. Only then will it meet the archetype of a conference. The unity (merger) group alone shouldn’t hold the conference,” said Nai Layih Tamarh.

The MNP issued a warning to its members against attending the Mon People’s Conference on January 8.

Similarly, the AMDP has also announced that it will not attend the conference based on the decision set down by its central executive committee’s meeting on December 25.

“The All Mon Region Democracy Party does not recognize the unity group so we won’t accept the conference held by this group,” said Dr Min Nwe Soe, general secretary of the AMDP.

In a statement released by the AMDP, the party said the conference does not represent the entire Mon people. Besides, it fails to meet the democratic standard and procedure. Therefore, the party will not send a representative to the conference.

The New Mon State Party (NMSP) has registered one organizing committee member but it has not announced whether it will attend the conference or not.

“The Mon political parties have their own policies. So, it’s not wrong for them to make a decision against attending this conference,” said Nai Banyar Ka Jot, a Mon national activist.

Over 700 representatives will attend the Mon People’s Conference at the Sasana 2500 Community Hall in Mawlamyine, Mon State on January 13 and 14.